Yardstick
/ˈjɑːrd.stɪk/noun
A stick or rule used for measuring length, especially one yard long.
Did you know?The word combines two ordinary English words, but the “yard” in it is an ancient unit of measure whose exact origin is obscure and likely tied to bodily measuring rather than any mystical symbolism.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
gyrd
“a rod, staff, or measuring stick”
Old English
OE
geard
“an enclosed space, court, or yard”
Middle English
ME
yard
“a unit of length, originally associated with a rod or standard measure”
Middle English
ME
sticke
“a stick or rod”
Modern English
English
yardstick
“a stick one yard long used for measuring; figuratively, a standard of comparison”